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NKU Foundation Names New President

One of the region’s top business executives will now lead the Northern Kentucky University Foundation, Inc.

Barry G. Kienzle has been named president of the Foundation. He is senior vice president and CFO of Paul Hemmer Co. in Fort Mitchell and has twice been named one of the region’s top CFOs by the Cincinnati Business Courier.

Kienzle graduated from Northern Kentucky University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He has served on the Foundation board since 2001 and was elected president by the board on Thursday, succeeding J. David Bender in that role.

“NKU is fortunate to have friends and supporters across our community who are willing to give of their time and talents to help move our University forward and be advocates for our students,” said NKU President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “We welcome Barry and all of our new Foundation officers and board members.”

Founded in 1970, the Northern Kentucky University Foundation, Inc. provides community support for the University, oversees assets of more than $100 million, and advocates for the University.

Jason O. Jackman, president and chief investment officer of Johnson Investment Counsel, was elected treasurer of the Foundation. John M. Lucas of Ameritas Life will return as vice president of the Foundation, and Kara Williams of Shoestring Strategies will return as secretary.

Kristi P. Nelson, general counsel and senior vice president of Pomeroy IT Solutions, Inc., also joins the Foundation executive committee as an at-large member.

Executive committee members also include Board of Regents Chair Nathan Smith of SSK Communities; Board of Regents Vice Chair Richard A. Boehne of The E.W. Scripps Co.; Mearns; Vice President of University Advancement Eric Gentry; Past Foundation President J. David Bender of J. David Bender Law; and Karen Zerhusen Kruer, executive director of the Foundation.